Pot arrest policy reviewed in WNY

A policy change from the Manhattan district attorney may have some prosecutors in Western New York reviewing their own policies on arrests for low-level marijuana possession and smoking.

Author:
Ron Plants

Published:
10:54 PM EDT May 15, 2018

Updated:
12:35 AM EDT May 16, 2018

BUFFALO, NY - Some Western New York prosecutors may review their drug arrest policies after Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance announced he will stop prosecuting low-level marijuana cases as of August 1.

While there will be some exceptions, New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio also says the New York Police Department will overhaul its city-wide pot arrest policies in the next 30 days.

From Buffalo City Hall to the Niagara County Courthouse, officials are reviewing arrest policies for possession of small amounts of marijuana perhaps with some guidance from New York City and Albany.

Niagara County District Attorney Caroline Wojtaszek told 2 on Your Side, "I would assume that other D.A.'s offices will take a look at the policy... certainly no promises across the state by any means that there will be change. Certainly an interesting proposition. There are exceptions that they've already carved out so we're gonna take a look at it like we do any new policy that comes from across the state."

Wojtaszek said she'll discuss the issue with her office's top prosecutors, law enforcement, and Niagara County's drug task force.